Willington Wetlands Nature Reserve - Derby

Steve B.

Lots of potential to make this a really enjoyable experience. I did the 1.5hr circular walk.Sadly let down by no signing or way markers from the canal through the working quarry. Barbed wire fencing and ‘Quarry Danger’ signs prevent you getting anywhere near the water, although there is a hide and a couple of viewing platforms on the southerly side. Definitely need wellington boots as you wade through water ankle deep in places. Not much birdlife visible and the beavers are nocturnal.

Victoria H.

I got an email from the Wildlife Trust 3 days ago saying a 5-mile circular walk has been created with a bridge made and a viewing platform, so we assumed it was ready to walk. We parked up in the free car park that they advised on their website and walked through the village, which is lovely. We walked through the gate for the wetlands and walked a straight path for about half an hour then got to padlocked gates, with signs for no public access due to conservation. We tried other public footpaths around, but they led back to the same gated entrance at the beginning. The section that we did walk is lovely for viewing part of the wetlands and various bird species, but we've still been left confused after we planned for something bigger going by the email that they sent that this is all already open.

Carrie

People on here were mentioning this place being worked on - well that has been completed now and there is a circular walk. I got about halfway round before I came across a herd of cows, which I am personally scared of! They were all lying down so I tried to brave ur past them, but then one stood up and I legged it back the way I came 🤣. Nice enough place, don't be expecting any kind of facilities. I saw a kingfisher so that made me happy.

Carol B.

The new circular route is now open (August 2024). Although the metal gate at the end of the lane appears to be padlocked, look at the left-hand gate and you will find that it is not padlocked. It is only the right-hand, larger gate that is locked, to prevent unauthorised vehicle access. And the left gate has dropped slightly so it's a bit tricky to open - I struggled a bit but my partner managed it and closed it successfully. Hope they fix this and maybe signpost it, to help visitors.
The wooden posts round the reserve help to indicate the path to take, to get you as far as the canal tow path which takes you back to Willington village, however for those who may have a slight visual impairment, they might just look like posts from a distance; it would be better to have the yellow topped posts, which are standard in many areas, to more easily highlight the correct path and prevent walkers heading the wrong way.
The new tower and hides are great and I'm sure we will return.

Paul H.

Whilst on holiday nearby, we decided to visit this reserve and see what it is like. We did have mixed opinions but mostly on the positive side.
1/ we love the fact that the first part of the reserve has lakes for any waterfowl, gravel heaps from old building work for insects, and a variety of wild plants and trees. These areas will be teaming with lift during the summer so a must place to visit then.

Once you go through the gates to the main part of the reserve which on the map is just past the fisheries entrance on the left of the track, you will find a long track with viewing platforms with one being a full bird hide overlooking the lakes.
Note that this track is very wet and muddy in the winter, even at the beginning of March 2025. 🙂

During the drier times of the year, you can do a five mile walk from Willington cannel, along the west toe path, working it's way through the reserve, and then back to the town via the roadside footpath.

Would we visit again? Yes, when we are back in the area and during the summertime.

Do note that on this visit there was fly tipping along the lanes and litter dotted around.

Kandulski S.

Nice place, Well maintained ,good for bird spotting

Ramasharan L.

Leisurely flat land walk. Nice ponds with lots of water birds. Can be tricky in wet weather. Still under development. No entry fee.

john C.

Now, I have not been, but I have read the reviews. I am not a twitcher, I am not a keen walker, so it's not really for me. But my heart has sank reading the reviews. What a collection of whining girls. It's a nature reserve,it's not really for you, it's for nature, but people have put down walkways for you to enjoy and share. If it's muddy deal with it, it's a nature reserve. Do you really want vast tracts of concrete and walkways just so you can march around ? How do you think the nature would react to bulldozers and lots of men crashing around making these nice footpaths ? Enjoy it's existence and remember it's not just for you. Go or don't go but stop whining. Are we so spoiled we want even nature clean and tidy ?